Probiotics Coming of Age

Are you ready to swish a genetically altered version of Streptococcus mutans -- one of the main bacterial causes of tooth decay -- to get rid of cavities? How about an injection of Clostridium novyi to liquify a cancerous tumor?

These and many other novel uses for bacteria as agents of healing (probiotics) are under development around the world. Urinary tract infections, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other ailments are being considered for treatment by carefully selected or modified bacterial. Zap*Germs has a number of archived post on the subject, but the latest Nature features an excellent, detailed overview of what's ahead.